The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-09-20
THE FIRST DAY OF THE FAIR
The Show Opens Auspiciously with Fine
Exhibits in All Departments.
IL Greater Show Of Stock than Has Ever Be-
fore Been Presented in the State-En-
tries for the Races To-Day.

The Indiana State fair this year will present
In their completeness all the features that have
msde IL one OF the leading exhibitions Of the
Kind in the country. While there may appear in
the agricultural department proper not so good
. show as formerly regards quantity and quail
ity, the products will be sufficient to repeat the
, many proofs the institution has given OF In
dianas resources in that respect There will be
enough to cause favorable comment and worthily
win blue ribbons, but in the other departments
everything has that newness, brightness, nov
city and excellence which foretell Of the most
desirable success. AS all other first days
nothing conld be fonnd at it's best yesterday.
From the rcain building to the furthest corner
of the broad grounds could be seen only the
signs of busy preparation. 1t would, perhaps.
be the greatest novelty a fair could present to
have every exhibit in readiness on time, but
managers, officers and exhibitors expect nothing
else than to crowd into twsnty-four hours
work that which would ordinarily require
two weeks time. But out Of the hurry
and pressure of yesterday will come to-day an
exhibition that the managers say will far sur
pass their former efforts. They are especially
eratifed at the show of stock. The best has
been done with the limited space at command,
and that means the providing OF accommodation
for double the number OF horses. cattle and
hogs expected. Up to the latest hour, last
evening, there still q large demand for
stalls. but it could only be met by giving the
snquirers outside space. Some preferred this to
taking their stock away again In speed horses
particularly has there been an increased number
of entries. but those up in that line say the
number and quality Of show stock has never
been excelled.
The mechanical department presents the wild
est range of machinery and Implements. 1t is
enhanced by the newest inventions and enlarged
by moro pretentious displays than heretofore.
Nearly every agricultural implement manufact-
airing company Of note is represented in exhibits
of all classes OF machines. large small. that
enter into farm labor. From the smallest pillow
TO the cumbersome traction engine and the
thresher, brilliant in red and gilt. the display
will be enough to delight the most exactng
farmer.
In the main building the features that belong
to the most minute. well to tho most
complicated and finished manufacture have
been given that attention which
pleteness and variety. Whatever the merchant
has to sell, or the manufacturer to advertise,
be found there arranged in attractive stvle. In
some instances the articles presented with
an ingenuity Of design that is 10 less noticeable
than the goods themselves. One firm has gone
TO the expense of presenting miniature cotton
field. There are q hundred more plants in it,
each With ripened ana rponing bolls. Not far
away can be seen a lawn with Its grass. walks
and plots of flowers, and q fountain sending
forth it's freshening spray arran ged a minute
scale. Beyond tho richest ornamentation and
decoration after novel designs made by those
whose goods will permit CT such arrange
msnt.
But it is in the ladies' department where the
most noticeable changes appear Ladies' work
from preserves and jeles to painting on china
is displayed IN multiplicity of collections. This
department. is more richly equipped than ever
before, particularly TO the artistic features
from lace and Embroidery to colors in oils. In
this repeet the work shows a marked advance
over previous exhibitions. Aside from the gen.
sral department. several charitable and phlan-
thropic organizations have exhibits of like
character Included in their exhibits are all that
pertain to education, especially in drawing The
scientific display of our fossils aud birds show
ing the wealth OF the State from the
scientists point OF view will be of the
pecially attractive features. 1t may not have
many additions to what has already been seen
on like occasions, but 1t is always OF interest In
flowers. plants and shrubs tie florists will have
to-day very fine display, enhanced by special
exhibition of cut flowers.
To-day everything will be in readiness for the
public and, judging from the admissions yester-
day, it is expected that the crowds from now
to the end of the fair will largely exceed those
of last year. The children are to have free ad
mission to-day, and for the older folks who
company them many special features of interest
In the stock and floral shows will be presented.
There will be two races to-day. One is 2:37
pace. the entries for which are as follows
Sleepy Tom. b. G., entered by o. F. Mann, of:
Brookfeld; Critmore, $. g., Buck Dickerson,
Greenfield; Dollis NJ, b. M. A. Schickentanz,
Plainfield: Joe O., b. e., j. II. A. Cadwalader,
West Lebanon: Helen Cougar b. M. George H.
Clifford, Upton; Toby, b. e., Lew Young. Tip.
Ton, and r. FL. W.. 9. e., Chas Bruce, Eaton. o.
Following the pacing race there will be n trot
for fhree year olds, the ntries being follows:
Dude, b. g.. entered bv VIM. Harris. of Marion;
Sallie Cossack, 9. m, Eaton stock farm, Joliet.
ILL.,. Jessie Hanson. b. G., Samuel Wilson, Rush-
Tie, and Katie Wood, b. m, John J. Davis,
Columbus.
The Kiss of the Siren.